Framed by Friends: A Senoia Cozy Mystery

by Susan Harper

  Several more minutes went by, but nothing seemed to be happening. Slowly, the police made their way back out and over to a patrol car. “What’s going on?” Felicity whispered to Jack.

  “I don’t know,” he said. “But I’m going to go find out.” He addressed the crowd. “I’m going to need all of you to remain back. Do not approach the premises!” He stepped away, heading toward the officers who had gathered around a single patrol car.

  Felicity and Jefferson watched with sharp eyes. “Why would someone want to shoot Nick?” Veronica asked. “He’s such a nice guy. And at a coming home party no less! He’s a solider, for crying out loud.”

  “I don’t know,” Dawn muttered. “Poor Whitney. Did you see her face when he went down? It was just awful.”

  “No way! Screw that!” Jack’s voice echoed. “Run the numbers again! That’s not right.”

  Felicity could see that Jack was pointing a finger in one of the other officer’s chest. “What’s got Jack all hot and bothered?” Jefferson whispered.

  “I don’t know, but I don’t like it,” Felicity said.

  Two of the officers approached, stopping right in front of Felicity and Jefferson. “Jefferson Scotts?” one officer asked.

  “Uh, yeah?” Jefferson questioned.

  “You’re under arrest,” the man said, spinning Jefferson around.

  “What!” he exclaimed. “For what!”

  “For the shooting of Nick Fontant,” the officer said and began reading Jefferson his rights.

  “You’re out of your mind!” Jefferson shouted. “I didn’t shoot anybody!”

  “Yeah!” Felicity raised her voice at the two officers. They began to escort him across the lawn, and she followed. “This is insane! What evidence do you have to detain him? Hey! Listen to me! Answer my question!”

  Jefferson was forced into the back of a patrol car. The officer who had read Jefferson his rights turned to face Felicity. “Back off, Overton,” he insisted. “A gun was found under the bed of the upstairs bedroom registered to Jefferson.”

  “There is no way!” Felicity exclaimed. “Jefferson would never hurt anyone.”

  Felicity felt someone touch her shoulder; she glanced back to see Brian standing there. Brian looked directly at the patrol car and spoke loudly to Jefferson. “Do not answer any questions, all right, Jefferson?” Brian shouted. “Not a one! Ask for a lawyer as soon as you get down to the station. Don’t talk to anyone!” Jefferson nodded; he looked terrified.

  The police pulled out of the drive, leaving Felicity standing with Brian and Jack. “What happened?” Felicity questioned out loud. “Jefferson’s gun was in the house?”

  “It looks that way,” Jack said and ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m going down to the station. Nick has…a lot of friends at the station. I need to make sure this doesn’t get out of hand.” He hurried for his car, leaving the property quickly and chasing after the police.

  Felicity felt a lump form in her throat. She looked at Brian, her eyes watering. “Jefferson wouldn’t hurt anyone,” she insisted.

  Brian nodded. “I believe you.”

  Autumn, who had only just arrived at the party, came darting up from the group of cars in the driveway. She looked frantic. “Did I just see what I think I saw?” she asked. She was holding some store-bought cookies. She had also received a last-minute invite from Whitney; the two of them only knew one another because of Veronica and Dawn. “Did they just put Jefferson in the back of a patrol car?” Autumn asked.

  “They think that he shot Nick,” Brian said.

  “Nick, as in Whitney’s husband?” Autumn asked.

  “Yeah,” Felicity asked. “He’s being rushed to the hospital, and apparently they found a gun registered to Jefferson inside.”

  “There is no way! Jefferson is the kind of guy who threw himself in front of a car to help someone,” Autumn said, nodding at Felicity. Felicity shuddered slightly, recalling how Jefferson had once saved her life from an oncoming vehicle. Yes, Jefferson was a golden child. She didn’t buy it for a second that he would ever hurt anyone.

  Monte, Veronica, and Dawn joined them seconds later. They all looked frantic. “Felicity, what are we going to do?” Dawn asked. “You-you’ve solved some murders before. Maybe you can help clear Jefferson’s name?”

  Felicity nodded. “Oh, believe me, I don’t intend on letting this one go.” She then felt nervous suddenly. “But…Jefferson is normally the one who helps me with this sort of thing. We’re a team.”

  “Well, your team is expanding today,” Brian said, and Felicity looked at him.

  “I thought you said my vigilante sleuthing is a gray area between crime and justice?” Felicity questioned.

  “Jefferson is important to you,” Brian said. “So that means he’s important to me. I want to help.”

  “Us too!” Monte said, wrapping an arm around Dawn. “You’re not going it alone this time, Felicity.”

  “Same!” Autumn said.

  “Oh, I’m definitely in,” Veronica said. “But, well, we’re kind of new at this sort of thing. What do we need to do?”

  “Well,” Felicity moaned. “I can’t exactly leave with half of my party supplies here. I need to clear this place up before I do anything. Then, I want you all to meet me at the event shop.”

  “I’ll help you with cleanup duty,” Autumn said.

  “We all will,” Monte said. “The sooner we get going, the better. For Jefferson.”

  Felicity nodded and agreed, “For Jefferson.”

  Chapter 4

  Felicity pulled the Overton’s Events van around the back of the shop. She didn’t waste any time getting inside, and her friends were waiting at the front entrance for her to unlock the door. She turned on the lights and let out a loud huff. “Okay,” she said, fetching her famous sleuthing notebook from under the shop counter. “Let’s start with what we know.”

  “Not much,” Veronica moaned. “Nick was shot in the neck. From what I can remember, the shot came from the house.”

  Felicity nodded. “And Jefferson was inside when Nick was shot.”

  “Right,” Brian said. “And the police found a gun in the upstairs bedroom that was registered in Jefferson’s name. Any of you know whether or not Jefferson even owned a gun? He could have gotten set up.”

  “Good point,” Felicity said. “I don’t ever recall him saying anything about owning a gun. I certainly never saw him with one.”

  “Aw, man,” Monte moaned. “No, Jefferson definitely owned a gun. Not sure what kind, though. I told the guys I wanted to go hunting and head out to the shooting range for my bachelor party this summer, and they all told me they were good to go.”

  “Okay, so he does own a gun,” Felicity said.

  Autumn turned to Veronica and Dawn. “So what’s the story with Whitney and Jefferson? Do you two know anything? You both were friends with Whitney since high school. The police are going to look for a motive for Jefferson, so it’s probably best we know what went down between the two of them so we can prepare ourselves.”

  “I have no idea,” Veronica said. “We didn’t even know the two of them dated. She did say she had dated one guy before Nick, but that’s really all we ever knew. Jefferson and her were still kids when they broke up their freshmen year of high school before Whitney started dating Nick.”

  Felicity frowned. “Actually, we know a little more than that. Earlier today, Jefferson told me why they broke up.”

  “Why?” Monte asked.

  “Whitney cheated on him with Nick,” Felicity said. “Jefferson even punched Nick in the face over it when they were kids. And their group of friends all flocked after Whitney and Nick over Jefferson after the breakup.”

  “So he lost his girlfriend and his friends after the breakup?” Brian questioned and then frowned. “That’s motive, you guys, and the police will find that out quick.”

  “I know,” Felicity said. “But I met Jefferson shortly after all that went down. Right after
I graduated and he entered sophomore year. It’s not like he went the rest of his life without friends.”

  “Yeah, but a whole year between the breakup and befriending you is enough for the police to claim he had some resentment,” Brian said.

  “I don’t think there was any resentment, though,” Veronica said. “I mean, Dawn and I have been friends with them both for a while and never even knew about the two of them dating or knowing each other. It’s not like it’s something either of them complain about a lot, you know?”

  “True,” Brian said. “But the fact that we don’t think it is anything Jefferson would be upset over won’t mean a thing to the police. They’ll try to say it was revenge motivated. So now that we know what angle the police will be looking at, what do we do?”

  The front door to the shop opened, and Jack entered. He was still not in uniform as he stormed in. He came up to the counter and slammed his fist down. “I think I’m having déjà vu,” he grumbled.

  “What do you mean?” Felicity asked. “Did you find anything out about Jefferson?”

  “I didn’t find out anything,” Jack said. “Because they won’t let me talk to him. They say I can’t work the case because it’s personal since Jefferson is a friend. This is just like what those idiots did to me when we were working my sister’s case!”

  “Don’t tell me you’re on sabbatical again!” Felicity exclaimed.

  “Yeah!” Jack snapped. “Second time this year! But this time, my partner can’t help us. He is still on medical leave after that shooting.”

  “Great,” Brian muttered. “So much for having an inside man… Wait…” He smiled. “I can work Jefferson’s case. I can be Jefferson’s lawyer.”

  “Pretty sure there is no way Jefferson could afford you,” Jack said.

  “I can do it pro bono,” Brian said.

  “What’s pro bono?” Veronica asked.

  “It’s when a lawyer offers to work a case without pay,” Brian explained.

  “You’d really do that, Brian?” Felicity asked.

  “I told you, Felicity,” Brian said. “Jefferson is your friend. If he’s important to you, he’s important to me.”

  “Great,” Jack said. “Then you better get down there quick, Brian. They’re already starting to drill the kid.”

  Brian nodded. “Okay. I guess I have my assignment. I’ll keep in touch with you guys.” He headed out.

  “Okay, so what do you need the rest of us to do?” Autumn asked. “If this was any other case, where would you start, Felicity?”

  “Talking to witnesses,” Felicity said. “I think we should divide and conquer.”

  “Okay, where do we go?” Veronica asked.

  “I think you and Dawn should go talk to Whitney,” Felicity said. “You three go way back, so maybe you can see what she knows.”

  Veronica hooked arms with Dawn. “We totally got this!”

  “I can go to the hospital with them and see what Nick’s doctors can tell me,” Autumn suggested.

  “Great,” Felicity said. “You three head to the hospital then.”

  “What about the rest of us?” Monte asked.

  “I’m going to head back to the scene of the crime. There were still some party guests hanging around; maybe I can find out if anyone saw anything,” Felicity said.

  “I can go the Lull household and speak to Whitney’s father and little sister,” Jack said. “Pretty sure they both left the party.”

  “Great,” Felicity said.

  “Wait, what about me?” Monte asked. “What can I do?”

  “I need someone to watch the shop,” Felicity said, and Monte frowned.

  “Are you serious?” he questioned.

  “Please, Monte,” Felicity said.

  He sighed. “Fine. You guys all go off and do your cool detective work. I’ll just stay here like a good boy and play shop worker.”

  “Thanks, Monte,” Felicity said. “Okay, everyone. Stay in touch with each other, and we’ll meet back here later. Sound good?”

  “Sounds like a plan!” Jack said, and the group parted ways.

  Felicity felt a little nervous. She had worked a few crimes in the past year, but she had always had Jefferson’s help. Recently, Jack had started working with them as well when something came up. This would be an entirely different animal, and it was also very personal. She was going to have to rely on her friends this time. She headed back to Whitney’s home in hopes of running into a few guests who could give her some answers.

  Chapter 5

  Jefferson could hardly believe the predicament he had suddenly found himself in. The two officers seated in the front of the patrol car spoke amongst themselves as Jefferson sat in the backseat with his hands cuffed behind him. Jefferson had never so much as gotten a speeding ticket. Trouble with the law was not something he was at all used to. He found himself shaking from his nerves.

  Brian had told him to keep his mouth shut, so that was exactly what Jefferson intended to do. Brian wasn’t exactly a friend, but the man had appeared legitimately concerned when he spouted off his advice. Don’t talk to anyone other than your lawyer, Jefferson told himself and then shuttered. How am I going to afford a lawyer right now? Jefferson had recently been putting some money aside, and he sighed, realizing that the small savings he had at last started piecing together was going to be gone after this.

  They arrived at the station, a short distance from Main Street, and Jefferson instinctually ducked his head as they exited the vehicle. The last thing he wanted was to run into anyone he knew. He was relieved when he saw Jack’s personal vehicle whip into the parking lot. “Slow your rolls, boys,” Jack said to his fellow officers. “As soon as I have a word with—”

  “Save it, Jack,” one officer said. “Go on inside and buddy it up with the chief, but your friend is still getting booked today. We found his gun at the scene of the crime.”

  Jack gave Jefferson a reassuring nod before running ahead of them to the man in charge. They then brought Jefferson inside where his picture was taken and he was finger-printed. “Well, that’s just awesome,” Jefferson muttered under his breath as his information was put into the system. He was taken to the interrogation room, where he was cuffed to the table. After taking several deep breaths, he managed to calm himself down. Jack will be coming through that door any second, he told himself, but the minutes kept ticking by.

  Eventually, the door opened, and an officer he had yet to meet entered. The man, Jefferson felt, was not supposed to be in here with the way he peered outside into the hall before closing the door. “Where’s Jack?” Jefferson asked. “I want to speak to Officer Jack Hudson.”

  “Hudson has been sent home,” the man said. “You get to talk to me instead.”

  “Something tells me that’s not something I want to do,” Jefferson said. “I want a lawyer.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t get to just lawyer up just like that,” the man said and stepped toward the table. He slammed his hand on the table, causing Jefferson to jump and shut his eyes in surprise. When Jefferson opened his eyes, he saw that the officer had slammed a picture frame down in front of him.

  Jefferson looked at the picture to see that it was a photo of Nick in his white Navy uniform along with a handful of other similarly dressed men. “I want a lawyer,” Jefferson said again.

  “I just want you to know what you’re up against,” the officer said. “See right there? That’s me next to my old buddy Nick Fontant. And right there is Officer Jax, Officer Lincoln, and Officer Monroe. And guess what? They’re all working today.”

  Jefferson felt nauseous. “Are…are you threatening me?”

  “Did it sound like a threat?” the officer asked. He frowned and reached for a tape recorder that was seated at the end of the table. “You’re going to tell me what happened right now.”

  “I said I want a lawyer,” Jefferson said, his voice now shaking a little bit.

  “I didn’t hear you say that,” the officer said. “What I�
�m waiting on is a confession from the punk who actually thought he could get away with shooting a Navy solider. I want this to go quick before NCIS gets involved.”

  “NCIS!” Jefferson yelped. “Look, I didn’t…” Jefferson bit his tongue. He decided to stick to Brian’s advice. “Look, I’ve asked for a lawyer—”

  The officer glared at Jefferson. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to press play on this tape recorder, and you’re going to start talking. And once I do, if you say one more thing about a lawyer, I’m going to calmly erase this tape and then invite all my friends from that picture in here to—”

  Just when Jefferson was starting to feel slightly faint, the door opened. The police chief and Brian were standing in the doorway. “Monroe?” the chief questioned. “What are you doing in here? You’re supposed to be at your desk.”

  “Was just taking a moment to speak to our suspect,” the officer said.

  Brian rolled his eyes. “I’d like to have a moment to speak with my client, if that’s all right, gentleman.”

  “Of course,” the chief said.

  The officer who had threatened Jefferson smirked at him before standing. As the officer went to bypass Brian, Brian reached out and stopped him. In one swift motion, Brian snatched the picture frame clear out of the officer’s hands. “Interesting,” Brian said and handed it right over to the police chief. “I’ve been told you already sent home one officer due to his familiarity with my client; that you believed it would impede the investigation. Now, I do trust that this station is not acting on biases and that you will be doing the same with those who are familiar with the victim as well, Chief?”

  The man frowned. “Of course,” he said.

  “Good,” Brian said. “Because it would really be a shame for us to open up a case on negligence in your department. If you’re not okay with Jack Hudson working the case, then you should not be okay with any of these men either. Can’t try to tip the tables, can we?”